Engaging Culture: Paul's Model for Gospel Connection

 

Summary

In Acts 17, we find Paul in Athens, a city filled with idols, where he engages with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks in the synagogue and the marketplace. This passage serves as a powerful example of how to approach cultural engagement with the gospel. Paul’s method is not one of confrontation but of observation and dialogue. He sees the Athenians' spiritual openness and uses it as a bridge to introduce them to the "unknown God" they already worship in ignorance. This approach highlights the importance of understanding and connecting with the culture around us, rather than imposing our beliefs in a way that feels foreign or aggressive.

Our mission is to discover and rediscover the good news of Jesus together, emphasizing the communal aspect of our faith journey. By reaching explorers and developing guides, we aim to impact culture thoughtfully and subtly, much like the metaphors Jesus used in Matthew 5 and 13—salt, light, mustard seeds, and yeast. These images remind us that the kingdom of God grows in small, often unseen ways, yet its impact is profound and transformative.

Paul’s example in Athens teaches us to engage with culture by speaking its language and addressing its questions, using familiar references to communicate the gospel effectively. This requires us to be attentive to the people around us, understanding their challenges and aspirations, and inviting them into a conversation about faith in a way that resonates with their experiences.

As we continue to pursue our vision, we are called to be missionaries in our own contexts, sowing seeds of faith and trusting in God’s timing for growth. This mission involves risk and patience, as not everyone will respond positively. However, our role is to be faithful in our witness, leaving the outcomes to God.

Key Takeaways:

1. Cultural Engagement through Observation and Dialogue: Paul’s approach in Athens teaches us to engage with culture by observing and understanding before speaking. By recognizing the Athenians' spiritual openness, he connects with them on their terms, using their own cultural references to introduce the gospel. This method encourages us to be thoughtful and respectful in our interactions, fostering genuine dialogue rather than confrontation. [09:01]

2. The Generative Nature of the Kingdom: Jesus’ metaphors of salt, light, mustard seeds, and yeast illustrate the kingdom’s subtle yet powerful influence. These images remind us that the impact of the gospel is often unseen and gradual, requiring faith and patience. As we engage in our mission, we trust that God is working beneath the surface, transforming lives and communities in ways we may not immediately perceive. [06:59]

3. Adapting the Message to the Audience: Paul’s use of local poets and cultural references in his message to the Athenians demonstrates the importance of contextualizing the gospel. By speaking the language of those we are trying to reach, we make the message of Jesus accessible and relevant, avoiding church jargon that can alienate or confuse. This approach requires us to be attentive to the cultural context and willing to adapt our communication style. [11:45]

4. The Role of Faithful Presence: Our mission is not about achieving immediate success but about being a faithful presence in our communities. Like Paul, we may face rejection or indifference, but our call is to persist in sharing the good news, trusting that God will use our efforts in His time. This perspective helps us remain committed and hopeful, even when results are not immediately visible. [15:30]

5. The Power of Small Beginnings: The story of 1951 Coffee illustrates how small, faithful actions can lead to significant impact over time. By identifying a need and responding with creativity and compassion, we can contribute to God’s work in the world. This encourages us to look for opportunities to serve and make a difference, trusting that God can use even our smallest efforts for His purposes. [16:55]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:23] - Paul's Engagement in Athens
- [03:28] - Our Mission and Vision
- [05:28] - Metaphors of the Kingdom
- [06:59] - Generative Impact of the Kingdom
- [09:01] - Paul's Approach in Athens
- [10:07] - Spiritual Openness in Culture
- [11:45] - Contextualizing the Gospel
- [13:36] - Understanding Cultural Challenges
- [15:30] - Responses to the Gospel
- [16:55] - Story of 1951 Coffee
- [18:53] - Vision for Community Engagement
- [25:56] - Diversity and the Kingdom of God
- [30:16] - Vision for a 24/7 Space
- [32:43] - Praying for God's Movement
- [34:40] - The Challenge of Faithful Witness
- [38:54] - Our Logo and Mission
- [39:36] - Next Steps Challenge
- [40:34] - Invitation to the Table

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 17:16-23
- Matthew 5:13-16
- Matthew 13:31-33

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Observation Questions:

1. What was Paul's initial reaction when he saw the city of Athens filled with idols, and how did he choose to engage with the people there? [01:23]

2. How did Paul use the Athenians' own cultural references to introduce the gospel to them? [11:45]

3. What metaphors did Jesus use in Matthew 5 and 13 to describe the kingdom of God, and what do these metaphors suggest about the nature of the kingdom? [05:28]

4. What were the three different responses Paul received from the Athenians after he shared the gospel with them? [15:30]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Paul's approach in Athens demonstrate the importance of understanding and connecting with the culture around us before sharing the gospel? [09:01]

2. In what ways do the metaphors of salt, light, mustard seeds, and yeast challenge our typical expectations of how the kingdom of God should grow and impact the world? [06:59]

3. Why might it be significant that Paul used the Athenians' own poets and cultural references in his message? How does this approach help in making the gospel relevant to different audiences? [11:45]

4. What can we learn from the varied responses to Paul's message about the challenges and risks involved in sharing the gospel? [15:30]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own community or workplace. How can you observe and understand the cultural context better before sharing your faith? What steps can you take this week to engage in meaningful dialogue? [09:01]

2. Consider the metaphors of salt, light, mustard seeds, and yeast. How can you apply these images to your daily life to subtly and effectively influence those around you with the gospel? [06:59]

3. Think about a time when you used "church language" that might have confused someone outside the church. How can you adapt your communication style to be more relatable and understandable? [11:45]

4. Identify a person in your life who might be spiritually open but not yet connected to a faith community. What practical steps can you take to invite them into a conversation about faith? [10:07]

5. How do you handle rejection or indifference when sharing your faith? What strategies can you develop to remain hopeful and persistent in your witness? [15:30]

6. Reflect on the story of 1951 Coffee. What small, faithful action can you take this week to address a need in your community, trusting that God can use it for a greater purpose? [16:55]

7. What is one specific area in your life where you feel called to be a "faithful presence"? How can you commit to this calling in the coming month? [15:30]

Devotional

Day 1: Engaging Culture with Respectful Dialogue
Paul’s approach in Athens serves as a model for engaging with culture through observation and dialogue. Instead of confronting the Athenians about their idol worship, Paul acknowledges their spiritual openness and uses it as a bridge to introduce the gospel. This method emphasizes the importance of understanding and connecting with the culture around us, rather than imposing beliefs in a way that feels foreign or aggressive. By recognizing the Athenians' existing beliefs, Paul is able to communicate the message of Jesus in a way that resonates with them. This teaches us to be thoughtful and respectful in our interactions, fostering genuine dialogue rather than confrontation. [09:01]

Acts 17:22-23 (ESV): "So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.'"

Reflection: Think of a cultural belief or practice in your community that you find challenging. How can you engage with it in a way that opens up respectful dialogue about faith?


Day 2: The Subtle Power of the Kingdom
The metaphors of salt, light, mustard seeds, and yeast illustrate the kingdom’s subtle yet powerful influence. These images remind us that the impact of the gospel is often unseen and gradual, requiring faith and patience. As we engage in our mission, we trust that God is working beneath the surface, transforming lives and communities in ways we may not immediately perceive. This perspective encourages us to remain faithful and hopeful, knowing that God’s kingdom grows in small, often unseen ways, yet its impact is profound and transformative. [06:59]

Matthew 13:31-33 (ESV): "He put another parable before them, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.' He told them another parable. 'The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.'"

Reflection: Identify a small action you can take today that might have a significant impact over time. How can you trust God to work through this small beginning?


Day 3: Contextualizing the Gospel
Paul’s use of local poets and cultural references in his message to the Athenians demonstrates the importance of contextualizing the gospel. By speaking the language of those we are trying to reach, we make the message of Jesus accessible and relevant, avoiding church jargon that can alienate or confuse. This approach requires us to be attentive to the cultural context and willing to adapt our communication style. By doing so, we can effectively communicate the gospel in a way that resonates with the experiences and questions of those around us. [11:45]

1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (ESV): "To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."

Reflection: Consider a person or group you want to share the gospel with. How can you adapt your message to better connect with their cultural context and experiences?


Day 4: Faithful Presence in Our Communities
Our mission is not about achieving immediate success but about being a faithful presence in our communities. Like Paul, we may face rejection or indifference, but our call is to persist in sharing the good news, trusting that God will use our efforts in His time. This perspective helps us remain committed and hopeful, even when results are not immediately visible. By being a consistent and loving presence, we can demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel in our everyday interactions. [15:30]

Galatians 6:9 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you feel discouraged in your efforts to share your faith. How can you remain a faithful presence, trusting in God’s timing for growth?


Day 5: The Impact of Small Beginnings
The story of 1951 Coffee illustrates how small, faithful actions can lead to significant impact over time. By identifying a need and responding with creativity and compassion, we can contribute to God’s work in the world. This encourages us to look for opportunities to serve and make a difference, trusting that God can use even our smallest efforts for His purposes. By being attentive to the needs around us and responding with love, we can participate in the transformative work of the kingdom. [16:55]

Zechariah 4:10 (ESV): "For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range through the whole earth."

Reflection: Identify a small need in your community that you can address. What creative and compassionate action can you take today to make a difference?

Quotes



Light in the darkness, a little bit of salt in the food, yeast working its way through the dough, a mustard seed planted in a garden. These are generative, not destructive images. Number two, the kingdom subversively works its way through culture. It does not come to conquer. [00:06:34] (25 seconds)


Paul, though, cannot help himself, and so he goes out for a walk in Athens. He follows the Jesus pattern that we have been talking about for the last couple of weeks, right? He goes, and he sees, and he invites. Although what's interesting is that in this case, he gets invited. [00:08:44] (21 seconds)


He goes to the synagogue. He goes out to the marketplace, and as he's walking around the city, he sees, right? He's paying attention. What is going on here? What are the people into? What are the drivers and the aches and the pains and the challenges that people in Athens face? And what he sees is he sees a city full of idols. [00:09:05] (23 seconds)


Paul is more than happy to take them up on this, right? He shows up and he begins to share more with them. And I want us to notice here again, not just what he does, but how he does it. As Paul makes his case to the Oropagus, he uses their poets. He quotes their references. [00:11:29] (29 seconds)


And he doesn't change the good news. He still tells the big story of creation and fall and redemption and restoration, but he tells it in a way that connects with them, that speaks their language. Again, that uses their poets and references and songs, and one of the things that drives me crazy is that I see people in the church engage in the mission of God, but they do it using church language and church stuff, and then they're like, I don't understand why people don't know what I'm talking about. [00:11:59] (29 seconds)


To live the Jesus mission is to risk some rejection and some discouragement. It is to face some failure and frustration. But friends, friends, the call is not to be a successful missionary. The call is to be a missionary. It's to be salt and light, sowing mustard seeds, kneading that yeast into the dough, and then we do not get to control the outcomes. [00:15:35] (43 seconds)


We go and we see and we invite and then we trust the slow work of God's kingdom as it impacts culture. Subversively we have i think an addiction to instant gratification and the kingdom of god does not work like that it doesn't work with you know input output boom boom if i do this this is what's going to happen sometimes you won't see it for a while sometimes you won't see it for years do you have the faith do you have the eyes to see though that god's kingdom is working underneath the surface subversively impacting culture [00:16:18] (47 seconds)


Doug, again, I think sometimes you look at the end result of a story like this and we think, oh my gosh, I got to start a 501c3 and do all these big things. No, just go. Who are you with? What are they experiencing? What are they going through? Pay attention. See the needs, and then invite people in to the solution. [00:18:52] (22 seconds)


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